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Ophthalmia Neonatorum
No notifications of ophthalmia neonatorum were received during last year,
Scarlet Fever
There was an increase in the number of cases notified 151 compared with 113 in
1958. The disease was of a mild form and it was only necessary for 11 of the cases
to be removed to hospital. As in previous years the greatest incidence occurred in
the age group 5-9, 84 cases being notified.
Measles
There was an increase in the number of cases notified during the year 1283
compared with 603 in 1958. Measles in epidemic form occurs at intervals of 2 years.
The next measles epidemic may be expected in the spring of 1961.
Whooping Cough
This disease showed a decrease on the 19 58 figure 32 cases being notified
compared with 42.
Sonne Dysentery
There was a decrease in the number of cases notified 95 compared with 330 in
1958.
The disease has proved very infectious among small children but the clinical
course of the illness has been mild.
Food Poisoning
Towards the end of the year and in the early part of 1960 an investigation into
the possible sources of origin of food poisoning organisms was made and in this
connection it was found that organic garden fertilisers such as bone meal and dried
blood and pet foods (dog and cat meat prepared and fresh) sometimes contain organisms
which could cause food poisoning, therefore particular attention should be paid to
hand washing after using these substances.
During the year 36 cases of food poisoning were notified the same number as in
1958. The following is a copy of a report made to the Ministry about the organisms
responsible for the individual and family outbreaks.
(a) Food poisoning notifications (corrected)
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total
- 16 16 4 36
(b) Cases otherwise ascertained
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Total
- 1 8 1 10
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